Spec me a CCTV System

So, it appears it may be time to sort out my DS-7604NI-E1 / 4P/A.

It generally works fine, but I can't for the life of me get the browser plugins to work anymore, even with workarounds and events have just stopped working.

Had a DS-2CD2346G2-IU added a few year back and when connecting via the browser that works fine, just the main nvr live view etc. that's not having it, plus events etc. aren't working.

I'm loathed to upgrade the NVR tbh because aside from those two things it's working without a problem.

Any cheap recommendations? Only really use the one camera?
 
I am really struggling with the browser -No idea what to put in what ? - I have reconnected one of my old cameras but can't for life of me reconnect the one i want. It's way over the top of my head. -- I am in the PAH bracket ---- (poke and hope):mad:
 
I posted that after an hour trying to get going, camera works perfectly in browser though so it's a definite limitation of the NVR :-(

Good news, fixed the events, had somehow lost the drawn area for smart events. Tempted to eek it out a bit further now.
 
Hi all,
Currently have a setup using a mixture of Hikvision IP cams (have a few of each - 2CD2385FWD, 2CD2032, 2CD2042WD) with Synology Surveillance handling the recording and it's been perfectly fine for years.

Now i'm after a few additional cameras to cover a new (single storey) extension but tech seems to have moved on a lot since i last purchased a camera (good 5/6 years ago) and i'm a bit lost to what i should be looking at that would compliment what i currently have.

Only real requirements is that it's bullet type, purely due to location that would make mounting a dome/turret a pain without a wall-mount (that won't pass muster unfortunately); same or better resolution (3/4MP) to what i currently have; cover a smallish area that's around 10msq; built-in IR as there is no street lighting (whatsoever) or external lighting that will be on all night; would like to stick with Hikvision but open to other brands that are similarly priced.

Firstly, can anyone recommend any models that i should look at?

Secondly, i have seen some Darkfighter (like DS-2CD2066G2-I, DS-2CD2T46G2-2I) and ColorVU (DS-2CD2047G2H-LIU) cameras but am i right in thinking i need some form of lighting for ColorVU to work whereas Darkfighter cameras should work better in low-light compared to conventional IR cams?

Much appreciate any help :)
 
I have just had two new camera installed - Hik DS-2CD2347G2-LU and most dissapointed in them -They told me they were colour at night - yes they are for a 20sq foot under the camera. My old ones although B/W were good -Could see to the other side of road and recopgnise cars in dark -Now colour just outside and pitch black to other side of road.
They also told me they had to turn down the "data/pixals/or whatever" to get a decent picture -Seems my 7608 is not up to the job of running all my cameras now these two 4mb 2.8 cameras are connected.

By the way the cameras supply the light with two very small lights - Not sure if they have PIR at all.
 
I am not a fan of ColorVu for the reasons I posted here, but for some locations I appreciate the appeal: https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/spec-me-a-cctv-system.18568132/post-36534308

The Hikvision Darkfighter cameras generally have a larger sensor relative to pixel count which improves low light sensitivity. For example your 2CD2385FWD is 8MP/4K and only 1/2.5" sensor whereas a current similar DS-2CD2386G2 4K/8MP Darkfighter variant has a larger 1/1.8" sensor. A number of the Hikvision cameras have larger sensor size as the MP goes up in a range so despite the often stated issue of higher MP meaning worse night vision, that's not the case for those. However higher MP does mean a lot more load on the NVR/server software so that's worth considering and hence why 4/6MP is a popular compromise.

There are also now hybrid ColorVu/Darkfighter cameras which can switch from IR to ColorVu mode with the integrated white light on movement detection.
 
Last edited:
DHR said:
I posted that after an hour trying to get going, camera works perfectly in browser though so it's a definite limitation of the NVR :(

Good news, fixed the events, had somehow lost the drawn area for smart events. Tempted to eek it out a bit further now.
Click to expand...

Can anybody tell me if you can end up in a situation where you camera supports smart events, but the nvr will not?

I've got them configured on the camera, but the NVR just isn't accepting them.

Basic motion seems to work find though.
 
Brilliant, thanks @DXP55 and @Simon42 :)

DXP55 said:
I have just had two new camera installed - Hik DS-2CD2347G2-LU and most dissapointed in them...
Click to expand...
I did have that on my list, so i'll remove that one then. Having read a few more reviews around ColorVU, it does seem a bit hit/miss and probably not something i'll really need given where it's going (back of an extension so that i have coverage of a section of garden that now isn't covered).

Simon42 said:
I am not a fan of ColorVu for the reasons I posted here, but for some locations I appreciate the appeal: https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/spec-me-a-cctv-system.18568132/post-36534308

The Hikvision Darkfighter cameras generally have a larger sensor relative to pixel count which improves low light sensitivity. For example your 2CD2385FWD is 8MP/4K and only 1/2.5" sensor whereas a current similar DS-2CD2386G2 4K/8MP Darkfighter variant has a larger 1/1.8" sensor. A number of the Hikvision cameras have larger sensor size as the MP goes up in a range so despite the often stated issue of higher MP meaning worse night vision, that's not the case for those. However higher MP does mean a lot more load on the NVR/server software so that's worth considering and hence why 4/6MP is a popular compromise.

There are also now hybrid ColorVu/Darkfighter cameras which can switch from IR to ColorVu mode with the integrated white light on movement detection.
Click to expand...
Thanks for that.

I assume, the bullet variant of the DS-2CD2386G2 would be something like the DS-2CD2086G2-I (the specs seem to line up)?

Also, where are you guys grabbing your legit cameras from? Obviously trying to stay away from Chinese/grey imports which is why in the past i've avoided Amazon/eBay and used Use-IP/BroadbandBuyer etc instead, although most now say for trade only :confused:

Edit - Does anyone know what "(c)" denotes in a Hikvision model, eg - DS-2CD2366G2-IU(C)?
Have seen it listen in a few places, especially Amazon, and wondering if that means it's a Chinese/grey import.
 
Last edited:
visibleman said:
I assume, the bullet variant of the DS-2CD2386G2 would be something like the DS-2CD2086G2-I (the specs seem to line up)?
Click to expand...

Yes, and there are lower resolution variants (sensor is smaller but the lower resolution compensates).

visibleman said:
Also, where are you guys grabbing your legit cameras from?
Click to expand...

I used to manage an installation company so can still buy from most places.

However there are a number of suppliers that just require you to confirm you're an installer, although some are asking inflated prices so do compare and also don't expect end user level of support. I've recommended a few friends to use CCTV Empire and they've had a good experience and the prices are reasonable.
 
Seem to be having some luck with Frigate and Home Assistant so far.

Got the existing cheapy 960p SV3C cam hooked up to it - was pleasantly surprised to see that it supports multiple streams and is giving good results.

Current setup:

Front of house:

SV3C camera + generic LAP PIR floodlight overlooking front drive
Eufy doorbell
Outdoor light fitting next to front door with Ikea Trådfri bulbs, set up with Home Assistant to come on 20% at sunset until midnight, changing to full brightness for minimum 30 seconds while a person is detected on the front camera or doorbell (this gives great illumination for the doorbell).

Back of house:

Eufy floodlight cam 2 pro


Changes I'm considering:

Upgrading the front camera to something more modern - either a floodlight integrated cam, or at least a better quality camera and a smart floodlight.
Adding a second camera to the back of the house - since the floodlight cam doesn't support 24/7 recording :(

I did get a "Hikvision DS-2CD2363G0-I" from Ebay, and the picture quality was great, but unfortunately a few hours after I installed it the lens completely fogged up - rendering it basically useless - so that's going back :(

Any suggestions on similar cameras to the above?

I'm seeing ANNKE C500, which appears to be some kind of Hikvision clone - any good?
 
Haggisman said:
I did get a "Hikvision DS-2CD2363G0-I" from Ebay, and the picture quality was great, but unfortunately a few hours after I installed it the lens completely fogged up - rendering it basically useless - so that's going back
Click to expand...

As that is an EOL camera and a smaller 1/2.9" sensor you'll be even more impressed by more modern generations and ones with larger sensors (relative to MP), for example the DS-2CD2366G2 is a similar modern 6MP turret with a larger 1/2.4" sensor and better image processing. However it all depends on budget and what optional features you're looking for if any (integrated illumination/warning lights, sounder).
 
Thanks - not wanting to spend a huge amount to be honest - less than £100 really, happy to go with used/refurb though.

Don't really need any of the other features as the area is already covered by a motion activated floodlight.

Edit: a couple of those 6mp ones on eBay at a reasonable price, or the 8mp for £10 more - worth the extra?

Since the sensor on the 8mp is bigger, how would quality (particularly night time) compare between the 6mp one and the 8mp one running at the same resolution?
 
Last edited:
Haggisman said:
Since the sensor on the 8mp is bigger, how would quality (particularly night time) compare between the 6mp one and the 8mp one running at the same resolution?
Click to expand...

It doesn't work like that, it's a bit like running an LCD at 75% of native resolution doesn't make the display brighter or as sharp.
 
Ah, yes, that makes sense, you'll end up with fuzziness where it tries to make a 6mp picture from 8mp worth of pixels :p

Worth bumping up to 8mp still?
 
Last edited:
Haggisman said:
Worth bumping up to 8mp still?
Click to expand...

If its the 1/1.8" then it has similar sensor size relative to MP so low light is comparable. If recording/playing the extra 2MP isn't an issue then its a good choice but the picture won't be vastly better as its diminishing returns. Just beware of grey imports when buying used/refurb Hikvision as that can prevent firmware updates and means any of the 3 year warranty left doesn't apply.
 
Last edited:
perfect, thanks, I'll bear that in mind!

It was the "DS-2CD2386G2" I was looking at, did you mean 1/1.8"? I can't see one with a 1/1.18" sensor
 
Well, so far so good, got the Eufy floodlight cam pro 2 covering the patio area, with a Hikvision DS-2CD2386G2-LSU to provide 24/7 coverage. Was going to send the floodlight back, but they offered me a discount to keep it, and looking at smart floodlights with similar functionality (basically the Hue) ended up being the same price.

Having 2 cameras covering the same area from different angles has the added bonus of basically eliminating false alerts, since I've configured HA to only notify when both cameras detect someone.

I've also set it up to trigger the siren on the Hikvision (which the LSU has built in) when a detection occurs between midnight and 6am and when we're away from home :)

Now just need to replace the front camera - have a Colorvu waiting to be installed, but it's too hot to go climbing around the attic right now!! Went for the Colorvu so number plates are hopefully visible - it should work fine as we have bright white LED street lights outside, so plenty of ambient light
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom